I dropped by a few times to try and set up an interview for EAT and they told me they would rather wait a few months before they started any marketing to bring in new people. Seemed pretty odd to me. Maybe they too are concerned about frazzled staff. I certainly was impressed with the decor and design and plan to head in for a pint or two soon.

Isn't this based upon a calculation of sales? For example, liquor sales in a month cannot exceed 25% of total revenues, or something like that?

No, that clause is dropped. But as a food-primary, you have to do things like a restaurant. Have a reasonable-sized food menu with hot and cold entrees, serve food at all times, have enough seats for everybody (no standing, except in designated lounges), seats have to have table or counter space in front of them to fit plates, have proper place settings, plates etc. The physical menu and design and atmosphere of the whole place must emphasize food, not booze etc. etc.

I'm guessing this is being pushed by the liquor board as they can't prove adequate food sales to operate as a good primary. And while the rules have changed some, businesses must still push food before booze

I'm guessing this is being pushed by the liquor board as they can't prove adequate food sales to operate as a good primary. And while the rules have changed some, businesses must still push food before booze

Ya, that'd be a pretty good guess I think. I lost the paper trail, not sure what happened with council, it might have been pushed back a bit in date as the night meeting ran so long.

Dear Ryan, We have put forth an application for a dual liquor license for The Drake Eatery. We will ask, if possible, for the dual license to cover about % of the room, so that there will remain an area for families in search of a meal, late night. Currently, we operate with a food primary liquor license. Our hours of operation are from 11:30 a.m. until midnight daily, and our kitchen operates for the same hours. With a dual liquor license, the liquor primary aspect will be from 8 p.m. until midnight, with minors being allowed from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. with an adult. As mentioned a portion of the room will remain family friendly for the duration of the service. The Drake Eatery offers a concise quality food menu and a well curated craft beer selection, as well as some wine, cider and non-alcoholic selections. We do not offer spirits, we do not put alcohol on special, or serve beer in jugs. The liq uor board has asked us a couple of times about applying for a dual liquor license. The inspectors feel that, when they arrive late evenings, approximately at 10:30 p.m. for inspections, that we are operating more like a bar than a restaurant, as there is not much evidence of guests eating at this time. The inspectors have also noted that other liquor primary license holders have commented on our operations. We wish to maintain a cooperative relationship with the liquor board and want the inspectors to view The Drake Eatery as being in total compliance with liquor policy. We do not intend to change anything about our operations with the addition of a dual liquor license, as we all appreciate the current ambiance in The Drake. A Best regards, Mike & Lee Spence Owner/Operators of The Drake Eatery